Rachel Millward: From Film Festivals to Frontline Politics

Rachel Millward is speaking at The Old Market on Sunday 11 October, as part of the Brighton & Hove Speakers Festival. Her talk is titled From Film Festivals to Frontline Politics, and it's followed by a Q&A session, so there's a chance to ask her your own questions after she's finished.

Millward's path into politics was anything but conventional. Before she ever stood for election, she built an award-winning career in the creative industries, founding and directing an international film festival and a national charity that supports women filmmakers. She's been a Wealden District Councillor for Hartfield since 2021 and co-leader of the council since 2023, and she's now Deputy Leader of the Green Party. You'll probably recognise her voice from BBC Politics, ITV, LBC and Times Radio, where she's become a regular on the national circuit.

In this session, she talks about how she carries those creative-sector instincts — around storytelling, community and collaboration — into her approach to public life. She weighs the compromises of coalition leadership and the gap between political ideals and delivering change in practice. Festival organiser Marc Rattray describes it as a rare inside view of Green politics as the party's profile continues to rise.

The talk runs from 17:50 to 19:00, with doors opening at 17:30. Tickets are £20 plus a £2 venue levy, and it's held at The Old Market, 11A Upper Market St, Brighton and Hove, BN3 1AS.